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Desmanthus illinoensis (Illinois Bundleflower)

Illinois Bundleflower, Bundleflower, Prairie Bundle Flower, Prickleweed, Illinois Desmanthus, Prairie Mimosa, Acuan illinoense, Mimosa illinoensis

Desmanthus illinoensis, Illinois Bundleflower, Bundleflower, Prairie Bundle Flower, Prairie Mimosa, Prickleweed, Illinois Desmanthus
Desmanthus illinoensis, Illinois Bundleflower, Bundleflower, Prairie Bundle Flower, Prairie Mimosa, Prickleweed, Illinois Desmanthus
Desmanthus illinoensis, Illinois Bundleflower, Bundleflower, Prairie Bundle Flower, Prairie Mimosa, Prickleweed, Illinois Desmanthus

Desmanthus illinoensis (Illinois Bundleflower) exemplifies the beauty and utility of native prairie plants, offering a combination of environmental benefits, resilience, and ease of care that makes it a valuable addition to diverse landscapes.

Desmanthus illinoensis – Illinois Bundleflower: An In-depth Look

Desmanthus illinoensis, commonly known as Illinois bundleflower, prairie mimosa, or prairie bundleflower is a bushy, herbaceous perennial with fine-textured, feathery foliage and compact, globular flower heads. It exhibits a somewhat fern-like appearance due to its bipinnately compound leaves.

Native: This species is native to the central and eastern United States, thriving in prairies, roadsides, and open wooded areas from Texas north to Iowa and eastward to Ohio. It belongs to the pea family (Fabaceae), which includes peas and beans. It is considered one of the most important native prairie legumes.

Plant Type and Habit: This herbaceous perennial forms a dense, bushy clump with multiple stems branching from the base, showcasing an upright growth habit.

Size: Typically, Desmanthus illinoensis reaches heights and spreads of 2 to 3 feet (0.6 to 0.9 meters), forming a rounded silhouette.

Flowers: The plant produces small, creamy-white flowers. Each flower is tiny but grouped in dense, spherical clusters of 30-50 flowers, which are distinctive and visually appealing. Flowering occurs from late spring to late summer, depending on the climate and region. After flowering, it produces flat, curved seed pods that resemble small, brown beans, which are segmented and can contain up to 8 seeds per pod.

Foliage: Its leaves are finely divided, with multiple small, green leaflets on each leaf, giving it a delicate, lace-like appearance. The leaves fold in strong sunlight and when touched.

Uses: Illinois Bundleflower is used primarily for soil improvement and erosion control. It is also valued in native plant gardens and restoration projects for its nitrogen-fixing abilities, which enrich the soil.

Hardiness: Illinois Bundleflower is quite hardy, suited to USDA zones 5 through 8, making it adaptable to a variety of temperate climates.

Wildlife: The plant benefits wildlife, providing nectar for pollinators such as butterflies, while its seeds are a food source for birds and small mammals. The plant is a pollinator host for Northern and Southern Cloudywing Skipper butterflies.

Deer and Rabbit: Deer and rabbits . It is high in protein and suitable for all classes of livestock as well as wildlife such as deer and pronghorn antelope. The seed is eaten by rabbits and other rodents.

Toxicity: There are no significant reports of toxicity in humans or livestock, making it a safe choice for diverse agricultural and residential settings.

Drought: Desmanthus illinoensis is drought-resistant once established, making it an excellent choice for low-water gardens.

Invasiveness: It is not considered invasive in its native range and behaves well in mixed plantings.

Benefits: The primary ecological benefits include nitrogen fixation and providing habitat and food for wildlife. It also plays a role in supporting local biodiversity.

Desmanthus illinoensis, Illinois Bundleflower, Bundleflower, Prairie Bundle Flower, Prairie Mimosa, Prickleweed, Illinois Desmanthus

Illinois Bundleflower Growing Tips

Light: Prefers full sun.

Soil: Adaptable to a range of soil types as long as they are well-draining. Ideal conditions include medium textured soils. This plant does not tolerate heavy clays and coarse sands.

Water: Drought-tolerant once established. Water regularly during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system, then reduce frequency.

Fertilizer: Requires little to no fertilizer. Its nitrogen-fixing ability helps it thrive in poor soils without additional nutrients.

Pruning: Minimal pruning required. Remove dead or diseased stems to maintain plant health and appearance.

Propagation: Propagate by seed. Plant seeds in fall or cold stratify and sow in spring.

Pests and Diseases: Generally resistant to pests and diseases. Watch for common garden pests like aphids and treat them if necessary.

Desmanthus illinoensis, Illinois Bundleflower, Bundleflower, Prairie Bundle Flower, Prairie Mimosa, Prickleweed, Illinois Desmanthus

Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Fabaceae
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Well-Drained, Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Maryland, Maine, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Northeast, Indiana, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Louisiana, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 5 - 8
Plant Type Perennials
Plant Family Fabaceae
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall
Height 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spread 2' - 3' (60cm - 90cm)
Spacing 24" - 36" (60cm - 90cm)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Low, Average
Soil Type Clay, Loam, Sand
Soil pH Acid, Neutral, Alkaline
Soil Drainage Well-Drained, Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Showy
Native Plants United States, Maryland, Maine, Pennsylvania, Southeast, Midwest, Rocky Mountains, Southwest, Northeast, Indiana, Kansas, Illinois, Wisconsin, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Iowa, South Dakota, Ohio, Arkansas, Alabama, Florida, Kentucky, Georgia, Mississippi, North Carolina, Louisiana, Virginia, Tennessee, South Carolina, Oklahoma, Nevada, New Mexico, Texas, Utah, Colorado
Tolerance Drought, Dry Soil, Rocky Soil
Attracts Butterflies, Birds
Garden Uses Beds And Borders
Garden Styles Prairie and Meadow
How Many Plants
Do I Need?

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